Expansion of services to benefit regional WA

More than 10 towns representing over 60 per cent of the regional population in Western Australia will now have access to intensive in-home support services as part of the Department’s reform of child protection services.

The extension of Intensive Family Support Services to country regions and enhanced Family Support Networks in metropolitan areas will support efforts to divert at-risk children and families from the care system and deliver improved outcomes.

The state’s geographical size, distance between regions and isolation all contribute to a real challenge in regional service delivery. However, the Department is confident that the roll-out of supports in such areas will assist in bridging the service delivery gap.

The intensive support services include the coordination and delivery of general life skills, education, safety and protective skills to parents and families, and will now be available across all metropolitan and regional districts.

This provision of educational and skill development services will support children to remain safely in their home and will also play a fundamental role in supporting reunification.

It is envisioned that the new services will empower families living in metropolitan and regional communities; be culturally appropriate, including engagement with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs); and will be more easily accessible and flexible to meet needs.

Working with community sector organisations and integrating services plays a vital role in achieving better outcomes for families most at-risk of becoming involved with the care system, providing a more holistic way of delivering necessary services to families.

Ms Jackie Tang, Assistant Director General Service Delivery Metropolitan Communities, supports the collaboration and says the accessibility of services will be of great benefit, particularly to regional communities.

“These services have been keenly anticipated and it is really pleasing to see the partnerships formed between ACCOs and the community sector.

“This is really about improving the wellbeing of our community, and we look forward to working with new providers with a shared commitment to provide the best possible services for the children, young people and families.”

See the list of successful respondents below.

Intensive Family Support Services

Service location (District)

Successful respondent and partner agency

Armadale

Centrecare Inc in partnership with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation*

Cannington

Centrecare Inc in partnership with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation*

Fremantle

UnitingCare West in partnership with Kinship Connections Aboriginal Corporation*

Joondalup

Centrecare Inc in partnership with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation*

Midland

Centrecare Inc in partnership with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation*

Mirrabooka

Centrecare Inc in partnership with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation*

Perth

Centrecare Inc in partnership with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation*

Rockingham

UnitingCare West in partnership with Kinship Connections Aboriginal Corporation*